Patty Mills’ performance off the bench in the 2014 NBA Finals not only helped the San Antonio Spurs to a championship, but helped improve his free-agent stock as well.
According to the New York Post, Mills is on the New York Knicks’ radar this offseason as the team aims to upgrade at the point guard position. And there are indications that Mills’ interest in heading to New York is mutual.
According to a source, Mills would be intrigued by the idea of playing in New York and increasing his role from Tony Parker’s backup to a more marquee role.
“New York is definitely a city Mills would want to play in,’’ the source said. “He has that personality.’’
Mills, 25, has always been on the Knicks’ radar for this summer, but he could have zoomed to the top after his playoff performance. The speedy 6-foot point guard with a sweet 3-point shot delivered the knockout blow to the Heat in Sunday’s Game 5 clincher.
Mills earned $1.3 million last season, but he is likely due for a raise after his strong Finals performance. The Knicks are looking to use thier $3.2 million mid-level on a point guard to replace Raymond Felton, the Post reported. Overall, the Knicks can offer a deal worth $10.27 million over three years.
Mills averaged 10.2 points per game this season, a hair less than his career-best mark in 2011-12 in his first season San Antonio. He also averaged 1.8 assists and 2.1 rebounds with a 46 percent mark from the field in 18.9 minutes per game as Tony Parker’s backup.
Previously, there were whispers out of New York that team president Phil Jackson wanted to trade Felton this offseason. Felton, 30, is supposed to earn $36 million in 2014 and is coming off his worth season as a pro.
Along with Mills, Kyle Lowry, Shaun Livingston, Nate Robinson, Ramon Sessions, Kirk Hinrich, Jerryd Bayless and Mario Chalmers are all unrestricted free-agent point guards this summer.
